Relocate.PL • Blog
Car registration — three different situations
The procedure depends on where the car comes from: re-registering a car bought in Poland differs from registering one imported from the EU or from outside the EU; the application is filed at the transport department (wydział komunikacji) for your place of residence.
Key points
- Car bought in Poland: attach documents proving ownership and an identity document; originals are required — foreigners should check details with the office.
- Car from the EU: according to the offices, the vehicle must be registered within 30 days of being brought to Poland; usually you need proof of ownership, vehicle documents with translation and proof of excise tax payment (if applicable).
- Car from outside the EU: the 30-day period runs from customs clearance; you need, among other things, proof of customs clearance, and foreign-language documents need translation.
- Foreign-language documents need a Polish translation (usually sworn) — check the exact requirements with the office.
- Technical inspection: for EU/EFTA vehicles it may not be required if the documents show a valid date for the next inspection; offices may interpret the rules differently.
- Valid OC insurance is required by the registration day at the latest; the owner (co-owners) or a proxy files the application, and fees depend on the type of registration.
FAQ
How long do I have to register a car imported from the EU?
According to the offices — 30 days from bringing the vehicle to Poland.
When does the period start for a car from outside the EU?
According to the offices — from customs clearance.
Official sources
This is general information; rules change — always check current requirements on the official websites.